4.20.2008

The Original Narghile:
Above: The "Narghile" Made of solid polished pewter, burner of hi-tech ceramic, pipe of aeronautical polyamide treated with teflon and comes with two mouthpieces made of synthetic mother-of-pearl, tongs and a beautiful carrying case. Designer Nedda El-Asmar for Airdiem.

The Limited edition 18k Gold Plated Narghile, The Pure:

Above: The "pure", completely plated in 18k yellow gold, burner of hi-tech ceramic, pipe of aeronautical polyamide treated with teflon and comes with two mouthpieces made of synthetic mother-of-pearl, tongs and a beautiful carrying case. Designed by Nedda El-Asmar.

"Narghile Wearing a Chechia (Fez)" has been added to the collection, designed by Hilton McConnico:
Above: The Fez Wearing Hookah, body made of metal and resin, comes with two mouthpieces of synthetic mother-of-pearl, tongs and carrying case.

Meduse Design makes a craft collection of stunning hand blown Bohemian Crystal water pipes. The collection consists of the Brute, The Brute Grande, The Noble, The Mirage and the Mirage Grande, all shown below.

The Brute and the Brute Grande:The Mirage and the Mirage Grande:The Noble (available as mono, duo and trio):Medusedesign

what is a water pipe?Water pipes are made in many different sizes and design. On top of each pipe you'll find a bowl in which you can place your favourite smoking blend. When lit, the smoke is drawn through water before reaching your mouth and lungs. The water has an important filter effect. A large part of carcinogens like tar are filtered by the water. In addition, the water cools the hot smoke and the protecting mucous membrane of the lungs will be less harmed.

Water pipes find their origin in the Ottoman Empire: once a world power with a high level of civilisation. Water pipes where called `Narquile' then. Turkey is all that remained of this impressive empire. Water pipes are still very popular in the Middle East. Water pipes in these regions are used to smoke special kinds of tobacco, like honey and apple tobacco. Smoking and sharing a water pipe amongst friends can be seen as a sign of friendship and trust.what is a bong?A bong is a sealed chamber half-full with water. A pipe with a bowl on the end goes into the chamber under water level. Another pipe with a mouthpiece on the end enters the chamber and stays above water level. You put tobacco in the bowl, light it and suck on the mouthpiece. This will lower the air pressure in the chamber, causing air to travel from the bowl, through the water, into the chamber and into your lungs. As the smoke enters the chamber through the water the smoke cools down and a large part of carcinogens like tar are filtered by the water. When you remove your thumb from the hole, the smoke shoots straight up into your lungs, so beware!

It is thought that the bong is older then the original water pipe and is actually the predecessor of its Ottoman family member. The theory states that thousands of years ago Asian explorers took their smoking systems with them on their long travels and left their bongs at Ottoman trading places.